Burnout 2: Point of Impact

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2002
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 71
  3. Negative: 4 out of 71
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  1. VoltZeer
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best arcade racers known to man, this game will always hold a special place in my heart. The racing is fun and keeps it's pace, the graphics are less on the realistic side and almost feel cartoony, and with a newly developed crash mode, this game is practically what kicked off the entire Burnout trilogy. When you begin your career you are required to complete a list of driving "tests" that act as a tutorial for the game. It doesn't take long to complete, and afterwards, you'll need to compete in various championships. There are certain face-off events that, if won, unlocks a new car. These face off events are unlocked by completing certain specifications in the championships. Crash mode events aren't as crucial to complete as they are in Burnout 3. They aren't tied to the main career in any way, though if one completes all of them, they will earn a special vehicle. This is to be understood, as this was crash modes early days. Boost works in a similar way as it did in Burnout 1. You are required to fill the boost meter up to full if you want to use it, by doing stunts such as near misses, jumps, or drifting. You can also achieve chained burnouts by completing these stunts whilst using the boost. Overall, I highly recommend this game. It's definitely one for the arcade racing enthusiast.… Expand
  2. DanielA.
    Oct 9, 2003
    10
    Best ever.
  3. PeterA.
    Jun 5, 2003
    10
    This is the best arcade racer ever, bar none. I eagerly await Burnout3.
  4. [Anonymous]
    Oct 2, 2002
    9
    BRILL athough a bit to much repeat.
  5. KyleK.
    Nov 15, 2003
    10
    One of the best racing games i've played yet. Great graphics, great cars, could have been more. Also one excellent feature in the game is crashing. WICKED
  6. RafaelBarrera
    Feb 25, 2019
    10
    Jesus, what a fun driving game, the controls were delicious, in my 0pinion it is a MUST PLAY for ps2
  7. Mr.Mr.
    Oct 3, 2002
    1
    This is a Need For Speed copy cat.
  8. JaredC.
    Aug 28, 2007
    0
    It is so much more than the first, at least its an actual game, but logically why would you enjoy a sequel when the first is terrible. Logically it makes sense why not to badly critisize and not respet Burnout 2.
  9. caligula_king
    Oct 3, 2015
    4
    Tenia unas buenas expectativas con Burnout 2: Point of Impact y simplemente no me llego a gustarme por completo . Decepcionante que flojea en todo los apartados del juego .(menos en gráficos que no esta mal por ser un juego de 2002 )
  10. ZachF.
    Apr 9, 2003
    9
    This is a kick azz game! The cars are hott and the graphics.If you like fast cars, this is the game for you.
  11. MetalInc.
    Oct 25, 2002
    9
    This game is above and beyond my wildest expectations. I own the first one and thought it was fun but there just wasn't anything to it. With Burnout 2 there is so much more involved, more tracks, better graphics, and a better feel for the speed. Some time was put into the level creations which is evident with the multiple avenues to take. If you want a simulation you have came to the This game is above and beyond my wildest expectations. I own the first one and thought it was fun but there just wasn't anything to it. With Burnout 2 there is so much more involved, more tracks, better graphics, and a better feel for the speed. Some time was put into the level creations which is evident with the multiple avenues to take. If you want a simulation you have came to the wrong place, but if you want high speed, blood pumpin racin then this is for you.… Expand
  12. Skank
    Oct 9, 2002
    10
    When I first played this game, I noticed that I was smiling without trying. This game ROCKS!! The crashes are unreal. The crash mode allows you to crash your car into a busy intersection, with the objective being to cause the most $$$ in damage. What are you waiting for??? Get this game now!!
  13. GengisKhan
    Oct 9, 2002
    10
    Much better than NFS2.
  14. Sam
    Apr 27, 2005
    8
    Cool crashes and exciting gameplay. Wish it had actual explosions if you hit tanker trucks and other cars but this title is well worth a purchase.
  15. JamieR.
    Jun 10, 2007
    7
    very good and addictive but when you've been on Burnout 3 you'll leave this game on not play on it again.
  16. A.K.
    Oct 11, 2002
    10
    Awesome!
  17. PhilipM.
    Nov 2, 2002
    10
    This is the best racing game i have ever played. it makes every other competitor out there look like a joke. The crashes are simply unbelievable. The racing is so beautifull that it makes u seem as if u are right in the car going 160. If you dont think you are Vin Diesel while playing this game u need to sit ur ass down and cry cuz u are really messed up.
  18. ZiggyStardust
    Oct 20, 2002
    9
    Burnout 2 is an ultra intense arcade racer. You get to weave through traffic at ridiculous speeds, and are rewarded with boost for barely missing other cars, driving on the wrong side of the road, air time, and power slides. In other words you're rewarded for crazy, aggressive driving. Although the racing genera is a little overdone, especially on the ps2, Burnout 2 offers something Burnout 2 is an ultra intense arcade racer. You get to weave through traffic at ridiculous speeds, and are rewarded with boost for barely missing other cars, driving on the wrong side of the road, air time, and power slides. In other words you're rewarded for crazy, aggressive driving. Although the racing genera is a little overdone, especially on the ps2, Burnout 2 offers something others don't. Amazing crashes! One wrong move at 200 mph, and you and your car may be doing summersaults off a cliff. At these types of speeds, crashes are frequently crazy and exhilerating. Two minor complains I have about Burnout 2: Firstly, you can't save your replays. I've had several crashes that I wish I could relive. Instead they're lost forever. Secondly, while the graphics really are good (especially the lighting), there is some ps2 jaggies evident. It is like Virtua Fighter 4 in that way (as in great graphics, but some jaggies). In closing, Burnout 2 is the most fun I've had with a racing game in ages. It's intensity, and crashes are something no other ps2 racer currently has. It's definately worth a purchase, especially if you like racers in general.… Expand
  19. D.J.
    Oct 4, 2002
    9
    This game is FUN. This is the kind of white knuckle racing action that I expected from Stuntman but didn't get. If you liked the first Burnout or are looking for a great racing title then check this out!
  20. BenN.
    Mar 15, 2003
    7
    A great game that anyone would enjoy, at first the crashes look great but soon get a little boring and possibly annoying to some peaple, but this is nothing compared to the good side of the game. The cars are great and it's real fun.
  21. JackM.
    Mar 17, 2003
    8
    A good game, crashes are well good, but turn boring after a while. ur mum is good.
  22. JavierA.
    Jun 24, 2003
    9
    Very good graphics, maybe the cars would have been a little more costumables but very enjoyable!
  23. Uter
    Apr 28, 2004
    9
    This is imo the best racer on ps2. And yes, I own gran turismo 3 as well.
  24. FlameSniper
    Nov 25, 2002
    9
    Easily the best racing game on any console. I played Burnout1 and i didnt like it much. then i played THIS and i love it. i couldn't stop playing. i am not a racing fan, my section is RPG games, but Burnout2 sucked me into the racing genre.
  25. DuncanM.
    Nov 5, 2002
    10
    The most intense racing game i have ever played.when your on your 4th burnout boost in a row your eyes will be bleeding from the speed. A complete head f**k of a game!!!!
  26. FilazaferX
    Oct 18, 2002
    9
    The fun of racing gets an 8, but the mode that lets you try to cause the biggest wrecks gets a 10. It's brilliant and makes the game worth the money you pay for it.
  27. DanB.
    Dec 14, 2002
    10
    This racer is one of the only ones so far to make me flinch while near misses occur, must be the constant 60 fps! Great game.
  28. gamefriek
    Feb 24, 2011
    8
    This game is pretty good. The graphics were amazing for a 2002 release and the game play was pretty exciting as well. One of my personal favorites was the police mode; this kept me wanting to play this game for hours on end while not getting bored with it. There are some issues I have with it however. One thing is the lack of a story line, I know that its not a big part of the burnoutThis game is pretty good. The graphics were amazing for a 2002 release and the game play was pretty exciting as well. One of my personal favorites was the police mode; this kept me wanting to play this game for hours on end while not getting bored with it. There are some issues I have with it however. One thing is the lack of a story line, I know that its not a big part of the burnout series, but it would have been nice to see one. Another is the lack of cars; it would have been good to add just a little more to the lineup.… Expand
  29. Harry210
    Oct 31, 2010
    9
    Burnout 2: Point of Impact is a very slick arcade racing game. This installment of the Burnout series is bigger and better than the previous Burnout game. There are more cars to race and crash with like the Custom Sports Coupe and the Supercar. The game play is similar to the last one: Race against 4 cars through a variety of events, race through checkpoints in a set time limit and try toBurnout 2: Point of Impact is a very slick arcade racing game. This installment of the Burnout series is bigger and better than the previous Burnout game. There are more cars to race and crash with like the Custom Sports Coupe and the Supercar. The game play is similar to the last one: Race against 4 cars through a variety of events, race through checkpoints in a set time limit and try to come first. The game gives you a generous amount of time to race from checkpoint to checkpoint so basically, you don't have to worry about reaching the next checkpoint in time and getting a "Time up" screen and then ending your race (if you crashed too much in the first game, you would find it difficult make it to the next checkpoint). You have a boost bar and you fill it by dangerous driving like near missing traffic or catching some air. When you fill the boost bar and use it in one go (you can only use it in one go anyway), you'll get a "Burnout" in which either you'll continue boosting (depends if you ranked up enough dangerous driving maneuvers while your boosting) or gain a boost bonus towards filling up the boost bar again. The graphics have slightly improved with new environments to race around like an Airport terminal or the snowy mountains. A new mode added in Burnout 2 called "Crash" has you choosing from a selection of Crash Junctions then crashing your selected car into another vehicle and trying to cause a big pile up. The more cars at the junction crash, the more points (or Dollars) you earn. The crashes like the first one are very meaty but unlike the first game, you can't save your crashes which is a shame. The game also features a pursuit mode in which you pursue someone and try to ram them off the road within a set road distance. To win cars, you either have to win them in some tournaments or "Face off" events in the game. There is a good championship mode with races to win and tournaments to compete in and returning from the previous game, there are also "Face Offs" in which you race against one car and if you win, you'll unlock the car you have just beaten. The music is kick-ass like the last game and while your boosting, the music becomes more intense which is nice and because this is the last Burnout game published by Acclaim and the next ones are published by EA, this is the last Burnout game with no licenced soundtracks. The game has a fantastic sense of speed when your boosting along at such speed and with that pumping soundtrack blasting out of your speakers, Burnout 2 is an ideal arcade racer which should appeal to people seeking some arcade racing action.â… Expand
  30. The_D4RknesS
    Apr 8, 2023
    7
    The best thing about this game is the "CRASH" mode simply because when it ends it shows the replay in slow motion and consequently you see every piece of the car breaking up which makes the gameplay more immersive.
    Taking into account that it is a 2002 game, the deformation of the cars is simply sensational Dust and smoke particles are not left out either.. they are perfect.
    ... I give a    The best thing about this game is the "CRASH" mode simply because when it ends it shows the replay in slow motion and consequently you see every piece of the car breaking up which makes the gameplay more immersive.
    Taking into account that it is a 2002 game, the deformation of the cars is simply sensational Dust and smoke particles are not left out either.. they are perfect.
    ... I give a score of 7 because the game is good when you play it for the first time but it has a very bad replay factor    … Expand
  31. Thosevelvetygms
    Sep 12, 2022
    8
    Dodging the normal traffic while blasting full speed in a police cruiser is simply exhilarating! A fun, fast-paced arcade racer that could be a bit deeper.
  32. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 28, 2023
    8
    Thrilling road racer that was a game-changer for an entire genre and still looks good today.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PS2 Game of 2002
20
#20 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Games Radar
    93
    The most pulsating, nut-chafing, wind-in-the-hair experiences that can be prised from a game console. [GamesMaster]
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  2. Total Video Games
    90
    The improved Burnout system really adds some much needed depth to the gameplay, whilst those graphics are going to astound you.
    Read full review
  3. GameZone
    85
    It's still longer than the first game, and is better and more exciting than most of the other racers out there.
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